Lot 428: Union Navy Model Revolver

Lot 428: Savage Revolving Fire-Arms Co. Navy Model Revolver, serial #7557, .36 caliber, 7? octagon barrel with a fine, bright bore that has a small amount of mild pitting within the grooves. This is a Civil War issued revolver that has had the metal cleaned to an overall pewter gray patina with darker spots of freckling and pinprick pitting on the frame ahead of the cylinder, the exterior of the cylinder itself, along the loading lever, and on the sides of both the hammer and ring trigger. The markings along the top strap are still clear and legible, and the brass front sight has tarnished to a dull ochre-brown color. The revolver is mechanically functional, although the timing is slightly off, causing the cylinder to creep out of alignment as it's advanced. One of the percussion nipples has broken, but the remaining five are intact. The original walnut grips have been sanded and refinished with a semi-glossy varnish, however the U.S. military inspector's cartouche is still visible on the butt of the left side panel just below the grip screw bolster. The wood has numerous small handling marks and minor blemishes, but is otherwise in very good shape without any cracks or chips. The Civil War Savage Navy was the successor to the Savage & North 'Figure 8' revolver and utilized an unusual double trigger mechanism. The ring trigger cocked the hammer and advanced the cylinder, while the conventional trigger fired the gun. This example is in good overall condition.
RR Auction's Fine Autographs and Artifacts Auction 462
Wednesday, 14th October 2015
Estimate: $1000-2000